Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 14,759, Benjamin Franklin, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass
Franklin, Benjamin Olive
N 14759
CONTENTS

3089. Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin of Holland in the State of Mass who was a Pirate in the company commanded by Captain of the  the commanded by Col Bradford in the Mass line for 9 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass at the rate of 30 Dollars and Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1832
Certificate of Pension issued the 13 th day of Dec 1832 and June 16 Bates St of Reps
Arrears to 4th of Sept 1832 $ 45 ~ Semi-annual allowance ending June 30 15 ~
$60 ~
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Book 3.
H. C. Blair Clerk, Vol. 2 nd Page 51.

T. B. Sletton Esq Brinsfield Mass not entitled
8586.78 el. of debt
W. B. May 1829

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
County of Hampden ss
On this nineteenth day of March 1829 personally appeared in open Court the same being a court of record for the County of Hampden, Benjamin Franklin now resident in Holland in S. County aged sixty six years and ten months who first being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the provision made by the acts of Congress of March 18 th 1828 and the first of May 1820 That He s Benjamin Franklin enlisted for the term of nine months at Nohoboth in Massachusetts in the month of July 1779 in the Company Commanded by Capt Adam Fisk in the regiment Commanded by Col
Bradford being the 14 th Regiment in Massachusetts line on the Continental establishment and that he served during the whole of said term of nine months at West Point in the State of New York that he was there discharged from the service that his discharge was signed by Genl Col Beyer or Boset of the regiment aforesaid and that his discharge has been transmitted to Washington; that his name has been placed on the pension list for the State of Massachusetts and has never been on the pension list of any other State and that his name was struck off from the pension list after the passing of the act of Congress of the first of May 1820 and that he delayed any further application for a pension until the recent publication of the more liberal construction of the said Acts of Congress given to them by the late Secretary of the war Department
And in pursuance of the act of the first of May 1820 I do solemnly swear that I was a resident Citizen of the United States on the 18 th of March 1818 and that I have not since that time by gift sale or in any other manner disposed of my property or any part of the same with the intent thereby to diminish it as to bring myself within the provisions of an act of Congress intitled "an act to provide for certain

persons engaged in the land & Naval Service of the United States in the Revolutionary war passed in the 18 th day of March 1818 and that I have not now has any person in trust for me any property or securities contracts or debts due to me nor have I any income other than what is contained in the Schedule hereto annexed & by me subscribed.
  A small House & piece of land. — $ 600.00   One Yoke of 4 year old Oxen. — 55.00   One Cow. — 10.00   One two year old Heifer. — 12.00   One Yearling. — 8.00   One Calf. — 5.00   One note of Hand against E. G. Fuller. — 60.00   $750.00 
From the amount of the above there is to be deducted the following debts due from me as proved by the affidavits of the several creditors duly sworn to.
  Debt due to Willard Weld — $ 10.00   Debt due to Dr David B Dean — 27.35   Debt due to Silas Burley — 47.80   Debt due to James L Wales — 78.07   $163.22 
Leaving a balance of Property amounting to $586.78 that since the 18 th of March 1818 very little change has been made in my property except a depreciation in the value of my real estate from decay & from my inability to labor much upon the same that I have an ulcer upon my leg which was occasioned by my leg being broken about twenty years ago & that I am at times so lame that I cannot walk without the use of crutches, that My family consists only of Myself & My wife who is sixty one years old and has been for some years in an infirm state of health.

and that the income of my property deducting my debts will not amount to the sum of forty dollars by the year & that I have no relations able to assist me
Benjamin Franklin sworn & declared in Court this 19 th day of March 1829 Before David Cummings Jus C.C. Pheas
I certify that it is the opinion of the Court that the total amount in value of the property in the foregoing schedule is seven hundred & fifty dollars David Cummings Jus C.C. Pheas
I John Ingersoll Clerk of the court of the county of Hampshire do hereby certify that it appears to the satisfaction of the Court that the said Benjamin Franklin did serve in the revolutionary war as stated in the preceding declaration against the common enemy for the term of nine months in an over engagement on the Continental establishment I also certify that the foregoing oath or affirmation and the schedule thereto annexed are truly copied from the records of the said Court and I do further certify that it is the opinion of the said Court that the total amount in value of the property exhibited in the aforesaid schedule is seven hundred & fifty dollars
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said Court on this thirtieth day of April 1829
John Ingersoll Clerk of the Court of said County of Hampshire

24 Rev. Franklin's Declaration with a notice from the War Department and certificate of identity -
old case,
Phila
9 Months
$30.
Hon H. C. Bates H. R.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampshire ss.
On this twenty seventh day of August 1832. personally appeared in open court before Richard D. Morris Esq. Judge of the Court of Probate now sitting in Springfield. Benjamin Franklin a resident of Holland in the County of Hampshire and State of Massachusetts aged seventy years who being first duly sworn, doth on his oath, make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7. 1832.
That he served in the 14 th Massachusetts Regiment of Line nine months and that the evidence of his service is now in the War Department at Washington.
That his name was placed on the pension list under the act of March 1818. Roll of the Massachusetts agency and that afterwards his name was left off the roll on account of his having more property than was allowed to pensioners.
That he resided in the town of Holland when the first application was made and now resides in Holland.
The certificate of the Selectmen of Holland is annexed and also a notice from the War Department that his name had been struck from the roll. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever except the present to a pension or annuity and that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
Benjamin Franklin
Sir the said Court after examination of the matter and having the enquiries prescribed by the war Department do hereby declare their opinion that the above named Applicant was a soldier of the revolution & served as he states.
I Justice Willard Register of said Court do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of said Court in the matter of the application of Benjamin Franklin for a Pension.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court this 27 th day of August AD 1832
Justin Willard Register

4530
Massachusetts
Olive Franklin
widow of Benjamin Franklin
who was a Private
in the Massachusetts line
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 20 day of January 1844 and sent to Hon. Wm. Parmenter House of Representatives
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 1 Page 12.
Instructions under the Act of 1844 sent to Pensioner, Springfield Mass. Agg. 46 2/4 Rep.
Jan 20, 1844
Paid at the Treasury under Act of April 1838 from 4 th Sep to 5 Dec 1841. Agt Notified 1. Oct 1844
W. B. Dec 8 1845

5135 Olive Franklin's Declaration
Olive Franklin Map Mt abt 1843 #30.
Am W. Parmenter H.R.

State of Massachusetts Hampden County } ss.
On this thirtieth day of October A.D. 1843 personally appeared before the subscriber a justice of the Peace, within a for given  for given County of Hampden. Town of Wales, Olive Franklin a resident of Holland in the County of Hampden aged seventy four years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her Oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the Act of Congress passed on the third of March 1843 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war. That she is the widow of Benjamin Franklin who was a private soldier in Capt. Adam Fish's company of United States troops, in the fourteenth Regiment, and that the said Benjamin Franklin died on the fifth day of December A.D. 1841 and that I was lawfully married to said Benjamin Franklin on the fifteenth day of January A.D. 1792 and that I know of no person now living who was present at the time of my marriage — She further declares that she is still a widow
Olive Franklin
Hampden ss Wales Oct. 30 th 1843
Then Olive Franklin appeared and made Oath to the above declaration on the day and year above written. Before me
John Smith Justice of the Peace I further certify that the said Olive Franklin is a credible person and that her declaration is entitled to full credit, and that I am acquainted with the said Olive.
Jno. Smith Jus. Peace

George Franktun dept

I George Franklin of Billings County of Windham and State of Vermont son of Benjamin Franklin late of Holland Vermont is the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts who did a few years and I am fifty five years of age do testify and say while my Father was a widower I resided with my grandmother and after my Father was married to a woman by the name of Oliver Byler and my Father came after me and carried me home and informed me that he was married to the said Oliver Byler and must call her mother I was then five years of age and my Father and the said Oliver Byler lived together as husband and Wife and I never heard any thing to the contrary and I further testify that I have seen a certificate certifying that they were married by Elder John Hamsen of Water in the State of Rhode island and my impression is that the certificate was dated in the year Seventeen Hundred and Ninety Seven and further they lived together as husband and Wife until his decease and remains still his widow and further the deponent saith not
Holland Oct 21 th A D 1843 State of Mass Hampden County ss
George Franklin
I hereby certify that the above named George Franklin appeared and after being sworn gave the above testimony and after he signed it made oath to truth of the same Before me and he is a person whom I am acquainted with and he is in my opinion to be believed
David B Dyer Justice of the Peace

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPDEN, ss.
I, RICHARD BLISS , Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampden, do certify, that David B. Dean Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Dean and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth, this Sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Richd Bliss Clerk.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
en
File No. 14759
Olive Franklin
Widow of Benjamin Franklin
Priv. Rev. War
Act: Mar. 3 d 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 264
[Arrangement of 1870.]

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
HAMPDEN, ss.
I, RICHARD BLISS, Clerk of the Judicial Courts of the Commonwealth, for the County of Hampden, do certify, that John Smith Esquire, whose signature is affixed to the certificate on the paper hereto annexed, was at the date thereof, one of the Justices of the Peace, within and for said County, duly commissioned, and acting under the authority of this Commonwealth; and that full faith and credit are and ought to be given to his acts and attestations done in that capacity; and that I am acquainted with the hand-writing of the said Smith and believe his signature to said certificate is genuine.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said Commonwealth,
this Sixth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty three
Richd Bliss Clerk.

Benj d Franklin Discharge
FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN (MASS) W-14759

FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN (MASS.) W-14759
Henry Franklin Esq.

Benjamin Franklin a soldier in the fourteenth Massachusetts Regiment having served out the term of his enlistment of nine months is hereby Discharged from the army of the United States and is at liberty to pass and to carry his arms to his usual place of residence In the State of Massachusetts Bay unmolested And also is intitled to all privileges that may arise to the Nine months men from the Massachusetts Or United States, Given under my hand at West Point this 25 th Day of April A 1780 —
Rev d Basset L Col

17218 Q
Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin
of Holland, Hampshire co. in the state of Massachusetts who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Brewster of the Massachusetts line, for the term of nine months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts
of 8 3/4 Dollars per month, to commence on 1st May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of May 20 and sent to Mr. Worthington Esq. Mayor of Stockbridge, Berkshire Co. Mass.
Arrears to 4th of March 1820. 22 Mths 31 1/2 170.40 Semi-annual, all due ending 4th Sep 1820. 48 40
$218.40
{ Revolutionary claim, } { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Certificate of pension in use was first sent to Stockbridge, Mass. and then returned to pension office. It was then sent to Mr. Worthington Esq. Mayor of Springfield, Mass. on 2nd of June 1821. — see letter
Notifications sent to B.P. Stebbins Brimfield, Mass. 28 May 1829.

17.218 R
Massachusetts
Benjamin Franklin
of Holland, Hampden co. in the state of Massachusetts who was a private in the regiment commanded by Colonel Bradford of the Massachusetts line, for the term of nine months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 8 3/4 Dollars per month, to commence on 1st May 1818
Certificate of Pension issued the 27 of May 20 and sent to Jos Woodbridge Esq. Judge of Stockbridge, Berkshire Co. Mass.
Arrears to 4th of March 1820 - 21 mos 3/4 170.40 Semi-ann. all'ce ending 4 Sep 1820. 48
$ 218.40
{ Revolutionary claim, { Act 18th March, 1818. }
Discontinued
Not received sent to B. P. St. John's Brimfield, Mass: 28 May 1829.
Receipt of Pension was paid out to Jos Woodbridge, at Stock- bridge, Mass. and there remains to be paid to him the sum of Hundred and 25 cts June 1821.

7972
Massachusetts
Pipata
Oliver Franklin
widow of Benjamin Franklin
who was a pensioner under the Act of 1832 and who died on the 5th Dec. 1841 of Hampshire Co. in the State of Mass who was a Private in the Company commanded by Captain _____ of the Regt commanded by Col. Bradford in the Mass. line for nine months
Inscribed on the Roll of Mass. at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 16th day of Dec. 1842 and sent to Hon. W. Parmen- ter, Secy of War.
Total amount, $150.
[Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by Thos. Lumb Clerk, Book S Vol. 1 Page 57.

9836
Oliver Franklin
Mass.
act 7 July 38
adm
9 mo hi
$30
Hm. W Parmenter
H 02

Commonwealth of Massachusetts } ss. Hampden County }
On this fifth day of June  December A.D. 1823. personally appeared before the Hon. NATHAN B. MORRILL Judge of Probate for the said County of Hampden, Mrs. Olive Franklin, a resident of Holland, in the County, & Commonwealth aforesaid, aged seventy four years, who, being first duly sworn, according to law, doth on her oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the Act of Congress, passed July 7 th 1838. entitled "An act granting half pay and pensions to certain widows;" and also of the joint Resolutions of 16 th August 1842. and the decisions founded upon said Act & Resolutions -
That she is the widow of Benjamin Franklin who was a Soldier of the Revolution & served in the War in the 14 th Regiment of the Rhode Island  Massachusetts line in Capt. Fish's company, according to her birth Revolution.
She further declares that her said husband was a pensioner under the law of 7 th June 1832. at $30.00 per annum his Pension certificate having been issued on the 13 th of Decr. 1832. and for a more particular statement of his services would beg leave to refer to his declaration and the proof accompanying

The same now on file in the War Department.
She further declares that she was married to the said Benja r Franklin on the fifteenth day of January in the year seventeen hundred and ninety two in the town of Wester State of Rhode Island; that her maiden name was Olive Tyler; that her husband, the aforesaid Benjamin Franklin died in Holland, Mass. on the fifth day of December in the year 1841; that she was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but the marriage took place previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety-four, viz t at the time above stated, and that since his decease she has not intermarried but still continues the widow of said Benjamin Franklin dec d .
Chir Jenni ngs
Sworn to and subscribed, on the day and year within written, before me
NATH L B r MOORE Judge of the Court of Probate for the County of Hampden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
I Justin Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said Court in the matter of the application of Olive Franklin for a Pension
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion that the facts by said Olive Franklin above declared are true & that she is entitled to a Pension as therein prayed claimed
In testimony whereof

I the said Justice Willard Clerk as aforesaid have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this fifth day of December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & forty three
Justice Willard Clerk Jr.

We the subscribers Being Requested by Mr Benjamin Franklin to appraise the yearly income of his Real Estate which duty we have attended to according to our Best Judgement and have appraised the same at Thirty Five Dollars and Fifty Cents Given under our hands at Hattens this Twenty Fourth day of March A.D. 1829
Elbridge G. Fuller David B. Dean
Personally Appeared Elbridge G. Fuller & David B. Dean and made oath that they would appraise the yearly income of Benjamin Franklin's Real Estate in Dollars & Cents according to their best skill & Judgment before March 24 th 1829
David Wallis Just Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Courts within for the County of Hampden do certify that David Wallis Esq. was on the twenty fourth day of March 1829 a Justice of the Peace within for the County of Hampden duly Commissioned and qualified agreeable to the laws of this Commonwealth and that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to all acts done by him in said County -
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Hampden this Thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Nine
John Ingersoll

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Hampden ss. I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Court within for the County of Hampden do certify that David Wallis Esq. a former S. Wales Esq. within named were on the thirteenth of the day of March 1829 Justices of the Peace within for said County duly Commissioned & qualified according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Hampden Attest full faith & credit is and ought to be given to all acts done by them in said capacity
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Hampden this thirteenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred twenty nine John Ingersoll

These Certify whom it may concern that Mr Benjamin Franklin of Holland is justly indebted to me the subscriber for neat stock the sum of Ten Dollars
Holland March 13 th 1829
Willard Weld
Holland March 13 th 1829 this certifies that Mr Willard Weld signer to the above certificate appeared before me and made Oath to the Truth of the same
David Wallis Just Peace
This may certify to whom it may concern that Mr Benjamin Franklin of Holland is justly indebted to me the subscriber in the sum of Twenty Seven Dollars & Thirty Five cents as being for Medical aid for himself and family
David B Dean Physician
Holland March 13 th 1829
Personally appeared David B Dean signer to the above certificate before me and made Oath to the Truth of the same this 13 th of March 1829
David Wallis Just Peace
This may certify to whom it may concern that Mr Benjamin Franklin of Holland is justly indebted to me the subscriber in the sum of Forty Seven Dollars and Eighty Cents on a note for My Sons Work March the 14 th 1829
Silas Burley
Flamilton personally appeared Silas Burley signer to the above certificate and made Oath to the Truth of the same this 14 th day of March 1829
Before me
James L. Water Justice Peace

I hereby certify to whom it may concern That Benjamin Franklin of the district of Holland in the County of Hampshire and Commonwealth of Massachusetts is justly indebted to me the sum of Seventy eight dollars & Seventy cents on his two notes of hand given the 14 day of April 1827
Wales March 16 th 1829 James L. Wales
Hampden ss March 16 th 1829 Then personally appeared James L. Wales and made oath to the truth of the above certificate by him subscribed
Before me
Bela Tiffany Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Courts within for the County of Hampden do certify that Bela Tiffany Esq. was on the sixteenth day of March 1829 a Justice of the Peace within for the County of Hampden then Commissioned & qualified agreeable to the laws of this Commonwealth That full faith & credit is sought to be given to all acts done by him in said capacity that the signature of Bela Tiffany within is his proper hand writing
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the Court of Common Pleas for said County of Hampden This Thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and twenty Nine John Ingersoll Clerk

Pension Office 8th May 1829
Brin Linn No 3 May 2
Free
Hon. John H. Eaton Secretary of War Washington City
Pension

Hon. John H. Eaton Secy of the War Department (Sir)
Enclosed is the application of Benjamin Franklin of Holland in the county of Hampden Mass ts for a restoration to the Pension list.
It will be seen by the copy of the Records of court that his Declaration made for that purpose was sworn to and declared in court on the 19 th day of March last past, (which I believe was previous to the Revocation of the construction given to the Pension law by the late Secretary) although the copy of Record and the Certificates were not completed by the Clerk till a more recent date.
As the worthy old soldier went to the Court and applied for his Pension previous to the publishing of that Revocation, with full confidence that his application would be received by the Department under the construction of Gen. Porter I cannot but believe that his application will be favorably answered.
Please to direct the Answer to the subscriber at Brimfield Massachusetts
With much Respect
Your Ob t Serv t
Francis B Stebbins

I hereby certify that Mr Benjamin Franklin has resided in Holland fourteen years, past and during that time I have been frequently called to see him on account of an Ulcer on his leg caused by its being formerly broken about twenty six years ago and has not been well since it is often so affected that he is obliged to make use crutches to get about and suffer from labour and make use of Comedies to relieve it all which are but momentary Given under my hand at Holland this Thirteenth day of March AD 1829 David B Dean Pyre
Personally appeared David B. Dean signer to the above Certificate and made Oath that it was the truth before me this 13 th of March 1829 David Wallis Justice
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Hampden ss.
I John Ingersoll Clerk of the Court within for the County of Hampden do certify that David Wallis Esq. was on the Thirteenth day of March 1829 a Justice of the Peace within for the County of Hampden duly Commissioned & qualified according to the laws of this Commonwealth that full faith & credit is & ought to be given to all proceedings by him in said capacity —
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas this Thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred & twenty nine
John Ingersoll

House of Reps Jany 16. 1844
Sir
Some time since I received from you a Pension certificate for Mrs Olive Franklin under Law of 1838- She also claimed the one year Pension I am requested to ascertain whether the second application has not been filed with the other papers (it being attached), &c
Respectfully
James L. Edwards Esq
Yr Obedt Servt
Wm Armstrong

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
SECOND COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE,
Dec. 15 th 1843.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838, entitled "An Act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," and the third section of the Act of August 23, 1842, extending the time within which pensioners may receive their pensions from the pension agents, The widow of Benjamin Franklin, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Boston, Mass ts Agency, at the rate of Thirty Dollars and Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th Jan y 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept. 1841 , to the 5 th Dec. 1841.  Respectfully, yours,
J. Wood  Comptroller.
To the COMMISSIONER OF PENSIONS, Present.

Town Clerks Office,
Foster September 18 th 1843.
I certify that the marriage of Benjamin Franklin and Olive Tyler is not Recorded in this Office
Witness. Daniel Howard Town Clerk
I Daniel Howard of the Town of Foster in the County of Providence, and State of Rhode Island. do depose and say that I hold the Office of Town Clerk in the Town of Foster in the County of Providence in the State aforesaid, and that the above certificate is true and correct
I further depose and say, that the Rev. John Hammond is now dead who formerly resided in said Foster, and that the said John Hammond told me at different times in his life time that he never kept any Church Records of Marriages, and that I have at several times taken his Affidavit to that effect, I further depose and say, that I never have been able (on strict enquiry) to find that there ever has been any Church Record of Marriages, kept in the said Town of Foster
Daniel Howard Town Clerk
State of Rhode Island } County of Providence } ss. In Foster in said County —
On the Eighteenth day of September 1843,
Then personally came Before me Richard Howard a Justice of the Peace in and for the Town of Foster in said County. Daniel Howard above named, and made solemn oath to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed — I further certify that the said Daniel Howard is a credible person with whom I am acquainted, and that full credit may be given to him as a Witness —
Richard Howard Justice of the Peace.

I Nathan Hopkins of the Town of Foster, in the County of Providence in the State of Rhode Island, being Seventy four years of age, and duly engaged according to law, do depose and say that I was formerly acquainted with Benjamin Franklin and Olive Franklin wife of the said Benjamin, and that the said Olive Franklin was Sister to my first Wife, they were the daughters of John Tyler, who formerly lived in said Foster (now deceased), I was married to the sister of the said Olive on the 20 th day of January, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety three, and the said Benjamin was married to said Olive about one year previous to that time, as I have understood and believe, I have often heard my said Wife (who is now dead) in her life time say so, and that she was present at their marriage I was not present at their Marriage, The said Benjamin & Olive Franklin went to housekeeping soon after their marriage in the Town of Killingly in the State of Connecticut, where they lived several years as husband and Wife, I and my Wife visited them several times while they lived there, They removed from Killingly several years ago to the State of Massachusetts where the said Benjamin died in the Town of Holland as I have understood. — Nathan Hopkins
State of Rhode Island
County of Providence Sp. In Foster in said County
On this Nineteenth day of September A.D. 1843.
Then personally came Before me Darius Howard an Associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas in and for said County of Providence, Nathan Hopkins abovenamed and made solemn Affirmation to the truth of the above Affidavit by him subscribed I further certify that the said Nathan Hopkins is a credible person with whom I am acquainted, and is entitled to full credit as a Witness
Darius Howard Justice of the Court of Common Pleas (County of Providence)

State of Rhode Island &c County of Providence Jr. } 3
I Samuel W. King Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county aforesaid being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Daniel Howard Esq. is at this time an associate Justice of the Court of Common Pleas appointed by the General Assembly and Commissioned by the Governor of the State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature within is genuine.
In Testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court this 6 th day of October 1843
Sam W. King Clerk
State of Rhode Island &c County of Providence Jr. } 3
I Sam W. King Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county aforesaid being a Court of Record do hereby certify that Richard Howard is at this time a Justice of the Peace in the Town of Foster in the county aforesaid duly appointed and Commissioned by the Governor of the State and is fully authorized to act in his said capacity and that his signature within is genuine.
In Testimony of which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court the 6 th day of October 1843
Sam W. King Clerk

Aug 15-46
Chap
June 17 46
Oliver Franklin
Edwards Boy Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
Edwards Boy Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts ss
On this Twelfth day of August 1844 personally appeared Before the subscriber of the town of Holland Olive Franklin a Resident of said Holland in the County of Hampden aged Seventy four years who being first duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress passed on the 17th day of June 1844 granting pensions to widows of persons who served during the Revolutionary war that she is the widow of Benjamin Franklin who was a private soldier in the army the names of the officers I do not know but he joined the army at West Point and the annual amount of pension which I have drawn under the act of March 3rd 1844 was Thirty Dollars
She further declares that she is still a widow
Signed in presence of David B Dears } by taking hold of the top of the pen Abner Nott Dean) Olive Franklin
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and year above written before me David B Dears justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts County of Hampden ss.
I, Justus Willard Clerk of the Probate Court within & for said County do hereby certify that David B. Dean before whom the within declaration of Oliver Franklin has been verified, is a Justus of the Peace within & for said County & that his signature subjoined to the within certificate is genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand & affixed the seal of said Court at Springfield this thirteenth day of August A.D. 1845
Justus Willard Clerk

Benjamin Franklin 7 May
Admitted 9 months
I John Hooker within named do hereby certify that I am satisfied from abundant Evidence furnished me that the said Benjamin Franklin is in reduced circumstances in life & stands in need of assistance from his country for subsistence Dec 3. 1819 John Hooker
Benj e Franklin

State of Mass ts Hampden County
On the seventh day of May 1810 Benjamin Franklin a citizen of the United States now resident in Holland in the County of Hampden State of Mass ts came before John Hooker Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in said State including said County of Hampden & being duly sworn & examined doth on oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the provision of the late law of Congress entitled 'An act to provide for certain persons engaged in the land & naval service of the United States in the revolutionary war' That he is now fifty five years old - That on the 24 th day of June 1779 at Rehoboth in said Mass ts where he then lived he enlisted into the fourteen th Mass ts regiment commanded by Col d Bradford & was put into the company of Capt n Fisher for the term of nine months - That he served during that term & was discharged on the 24 th day of April 1780 - when he received the discharge which is hereunto annexed - That said discharge was given by Lt Col d Bapett - The Col d then being absent - That he has no other evidence in his power of his service - & that he is in reduced circumstances in life & stands in need of assistance from his country for support
Benjamin Franklin
Hampden
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
SS. B E IT REMEMBERED, That on the seventh day of May A. D. 1810, came before me, JOHN HOOKER , Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas for the Western Circuit in said State, and including the said county of Hampden the above named Benjamin Franklin
made oath to the truth of the foregoing affidavit, by him subscribed, and hereto annexed. I do thereupon hereby declare, that it appears to my satisfaction, that the said Benjamin Franklin the applicant did serve in the revolutionary war, against the common enemy, for more than nine months, on the continental establishment, as set forth in his affidavit aforesaid, and that he is yet a resident citizen of the United States, is in reduced circumstances, and stands in need of assistance from his country for support. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the said Circuit Court for the said county of Hampden to be affixed hereto, this seventh day of May 1810
I do therefore hereby certify the above & annexed as the testimony & proceedings had before me in the said application & transmit the same to the Secretary of the department of War of the United States.
John Hooker
John Hooker Chief Justice of the Circuit Court

We the undersigned hereby certify that we are personally acquainted with the bearer Mr Benjamin Franklin and that he has resided in Holland eighteen years previous to the date of this instrument and is the same person that obtained a pension under the law of eighteen hundred and eighteen and was prohibited by the law of 1820 and the said Benjamin Franklin now resides in said Holland and possesses a good reputation Holland August 10 th 1832
Willard Welch Adolphus Webber } Selectmen Brins Webber } of Holland

War Department,
PENSION OFFICE,
May 28, 1829.
SIR,
You are hereby informed that the Secretary of War does not, on account of the amount of your property, consider you entitled to a Pension under the Acts of the 18th March, 1818, and 1st May, 1820; and has, therefore, directed your name to be stricken from the Pension List.
I am, respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
J. L. Edwards
To Mr. Benjamin Franklin Care of F. B. Stebbins Esq Brinsfield, Mass.

John Dixon dept

I John Dixon of Union in the State of Connecticut And county of Tolland - do depose and say that I was well acquainted with Benjamin Franklin late of Holland in the county of Hampshire & State of Mass - (now deceased) and have been acquainted with him for more than fifty years - that during the time of my acquaintance he lived with Olive Franklin as his wife and it has always been reported that they were married and it has never been doubted - I further testify that I was present at his decease and helped lay him out on the fifth day of December A D 1841 and that Olive Franklin is still his widow - dated at Wales this 30 th day of October A D 1843 -
John Dixon
Hampden Jp. Oct. 30 th . 1843 Then John Dixon appeared and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed.
Before me John Smith Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above deponent is well known to me to be a credible witness -
John Smith Justice of the Peace

David B. Deane dep

I David B. Dean of Holland in the county of Hampden and State of Massachusetts aged fifty six years testify and say that I have been acquainted with Benjamin Franklin and his wife Olive Franklin ever since I was a small boy first in the Town of Killingly Connecticut and afterwards in the town of Holland until his decease which was not far from fifty years and that there can be no doubt of their legal Marriage and the widow of said Benjamin (Olive Franklin) now resides in Holland and that said Benjamin died in the Month of December A.D. 1841. David B Dean
Hampden ss. Oct. 30th. 1843 Then personally appeared David B. Dean and made solemn oath to the truth of the above deposition by him subscribed Before me John Smith Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify that the above deposition deponent is well known to me to be a credible witness.
John Smith Justice Peace